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FAQ

About GODAS

What courses does GODAS offer?

We offer a 10-Saturday Entry Level Dental Assisting course and Expanded Functions and Radiology Certification for qualified students.

Why enroll in GODAS?

Students enroll in GODAS for many reasons. Some appreciate the Saturday schedule and class size. For others is about affordability and time frame.

Over time, we've found that more than anything, our students appreciate and benefit from a dual teaching environment of classroom lectures and hands-on training in an actual dental office by experienced dental professionals.

What is GODAS?

We are a post secondary career school offering hands-on, skills focused, career training. We provide a practical and affordable lifelong learning opportunity for dental health care professionals with educational activities that aim to increase your knowledge, skills, and develop professional confidence.

Course Details

Who is the faculty?

GODAS faculty and staff members have distinguished themselves through career commitment and dedication in the dental field. These dedicated individuals bring their knowledge and years of experience to cultivate an instructional environment of excellence and encouragement while enjoying their role as teachers and mentors.

What is the curriculum?

Click Here to download the curriculum.

How long is the course?

10 Saturdays, not including holiday weekends.

What are the hours for the course?

Class runs from 8am - 5pm for 10-Saturdays for the Entry Level Dental Assisting course.

The EFDA certification runs for three weekends (5 classes), Saturday-Sunday 8m-5pm.

How much time will this take up each week?

It depends on your own levels of commitment, along with your reading comprehension level. If you simply complete the reading assignments, it should take 2-4 hours per week. But the more time you invest in studying, reviewing your prior lessons and preparing for your upcoming classes — the bigger the benefits of enrolling in GODAS.

Is there an internship component in this course?

Yes. As part of your graduation requirements, you must complete a minimum 32-hour internship within four months from completing the course.

Do you place students in their internship?

At GODAS we offer students much flexibility in completing their internships. We will assist you in finding a dental office if you would like us to. Or you may select an dental office of your choice and submit for approval to the School. You may also complete your requirement in different dental offices if needed, and split hours as your schedule and your internship office allows.

Do you award certificates on completion of the course?

Yes. You will receive a Certificate of Completion once you fulfill the graduation requirements.

Dental Assisting

What do dental assistants do?

Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are key members of the dental health care team.

Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants must be a second pair of hands for a dentist; therefore, dentists look for people who are reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity.

If you have good communication skills, enjoy working with people, and want the responsibility and rewards of a professional career, dental assisting is for you!

The duties of a Dental Assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in a dental office, whether working chairside with the dentist or in the business office. The Dental Assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills.

In smaller practices, the assistant might work with the dentist as well as managing other business aspects of the practice such as scheduling, billing and purchasing. In larger practices, the duties may be more specialized. Many assistants are also qualified to take X-rays. In most dental offices, the dental assistant is in charge of infection control procedures, which are closely regulated by OSHA (the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Dental assistants sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain patient's dental records. Assistants make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patient's mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Dental assistants may prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.

Dental assistants with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Those with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep

treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

What are the duties of a dental assistant?

  • Assist the Dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
  • Instrument and operatory infection control.
  • Prepare instrument trays, sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment.
  • Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
  • Maintain practice records and supplies.
  • Take and process X-rays.
  • Prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, and make casts.
  • Communicate with patients and suppliers.
  • The business assistant works with appointment scheduling, insurance coding and billing, and other administrative duties.

What are some career advantages?

Variety: Dental Assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.

Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions.

Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work.

Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you have really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service.

What is the career outlook for dental assisting?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-15 Edition, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow by 25 percent through 2022. Which is faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, Dental Assisting is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the next years.

Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. In addition, as dentists workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

What is the salary of a dental assistant?

The salary of a Dental Assistant depends primarily upon the responsibilities associated with the specific position and the geographic location of employment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, median hourly earnings of Dental Assistants were $20.44 in May 2021. The highest 10 percent earned more than $28.63 an hour.

Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental Association, 87 percent of dentists offer reimbursement for continuing education courses taken by their assistants.

The Dental Assistant National Board conducted a survey in May 2012, which reported that 85 percent receive paid vacation benefits; 57 percent receive major medical insurance; 61 percent receive a 401(k) or pension plan; 53 percent receive free dental care; 61 percent receive paid sick leave; and 82 percent receive paid holidays.

Are there opportunities for career advancement?

Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, dental product sales representatives, or insurance claims processors for dental insurance companies. Others further their education by becoming Expanded Functions Dental Assistants or even Dental Hygienists. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic training and experience and serves as a steppingstone to more highly skilled and higher paying jobs.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Are there any prerequisites for the course?

The only prerequisite for taking the Entry Level Dental Assisting course is a High School Diploma or GED, students do not need previous experience to enroll.

For the EFDA Certification, students need to have completed the Entry Level Dental Assisting course, or have one year work experience in Dental Assisting.

Can I get college credit for this course?

GODAS is a continuing education institution offering non-credit coursework. That said, some colleges may allow students to count GODAS coursework as credits toward a degree.

We encourage you to contact your school to learn more about what requirements they have. We will be happy to do what we can to comply with your institutions policies and requests for information.

What do I need to take the course?

We will provide you with a textbook and the handouts necessary for all schoolwork. However, access to a computer and internet will is advisable for communication with instructors, classmates, and school administrators.

Registration & Billing

When can I enroll?

You can enroll at anytime, online or by mail.

GODAS offers three sessions a year. Spring, Summer, and Fall.

When is the next start date for the course?

Check the Events Section for course start dates.

Is there financial aid available?

Unfortunately, GODAS courses does not qualify for financial aid assistance. However, payment plans are available to our students.

What are the payment options?

You may pay by check, money order or credit card.

Pay in Full — Payment of $2,900 you save $50-$100 extended payment fee.

Installment – Downpayment of $1,400 before class starts with ten weekly installments of $155 due each class day. Total cost using this option is $2,950.

Installment – Downpayment of $1,200 before class starts with ten weekly installments of $180 due each class day. Total cost using this option is $3,000.

Click Here for Secure Payment Online

Is there a discount for enrolling in more than one course?

Yes. If you enroll in both the Entry Level Dental Assisting course and EFDA certification, you can save $100 of the combined cost.

Are there any ways to split up the payments and to pay by installment?

Yes. You can pay in ten weekly installments after a down payment. The extended payment fee for using this option ranges from $50-$100 total cost.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are issued on a pro-rated basis up the point of 40% completion. Cancellation after completing 40% will result in no refund.

Please refer to the official GODAS catalog for the specific refund schedule.